Kisses for 'Talent' judges, WOAI

Updated 10:44 am, Wednesday, March 27, 2013

America's Got Talent - Mel B

Media: San Antonio Express-News

I must have woken up on the right side of the bed today. In this round of media “kisses” and “hisses,” I'm doling out mostly smooches.

Kiss! A big one to “America's Got Talent's” own talent — judges Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B, Howie Mandel and host Nick Cannon — for being so friendly and accommodating to fans, reporters and photographers during last week's visit to San Antonio.

In sharp contrast to “American Idol's” celebrity judges, who avoided mingling with fans and the media when they quietly came in for audition tapings last fall, “Talent's” stars did anything but go undercover. They signed autographs, even took photos with men, women and youngsters as they walked the red carpet in front of Lila Cockrell Theatre. Even though Mandel said he has OCD, he enthusiastically fist-bumped fans wherever he went during the show's audition tapings here.

Also grand was the panel's warmth and playfulness during an interview with yours truly. When I mentioned how different their visit was from the secretive “Idol” judges' stop, Stern quipped: “Did you ever see 'Goofus & Gallant' in Highlights magazine? They're Goofus and we're Gallant!”

Photo: NBC

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Judges from “America's Got Talent” enthusiastically greeted crowds from a San Antonio River barge.

Judges from “America's Got Talent” enthusiastically greeted crowds from a San Antonio River barge.

Photo: NBC

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Longtime WOAI muckraker Brian Collister is leaving San Antonio for an investigative reporting post at KTRK-TV in Houston.

Longtime WOAI muckraker Brian Collister is leaving San Antonio for an investigative reporting post at KTRK-TV in Houston.

Photo: WOAI

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Howie Mandel arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

Howie Mandel arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

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Howie Mandel arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

Howie Mandel arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

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Howard Stern arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

Howard Stern arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

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Howard Stern arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

Howard Stern arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

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Howard Stern arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

Howard Stern arrives Thursday for the second day of taping for America's Got Talent.

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The crowd grows on the second day of 'America's Got Talent' taping in San Antonio on Thursday, March 21, 2013.

The crowd grows on the second day of 'America's Got Talent' taping in San Antonio on Thursday, March 21, 2013.

Sheila and David Currie, as Mothra and Godzilla, respectively, arrive early to America's Got Talent taping. They're here representing Cornyation.

Sheila and David Currie, as Mothra and Godzilla, respectively, arrive early to America's Got Talent taping. They're here representing Cornyation.

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SA Street Dance & Drum Co. of San Antonio await the arrival of America's Got Talent judges to arrive at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. They aren't competing in the show. They're just here to welcome the judges.

SA Street Dance & Drum Co. of San Antonio await the arrival of America's Got Talent judges to arrive at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. They aren't competing in the show. They're just here to welcome the judges.

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Jolly Joey's Clown Alley from San Antonio arrives early to Day 2 of taping for America's Got Talent.

Jolly Joey's Clown Alley from San Antonio arrives early to Day 2 of taping for America's Got Talent.

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Heidi Klum waves as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Heidi Klum waves as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Crowds watch as Heidi Klum arrives in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Crowds watch as Heidi Klum arrives in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Howie Mandel waves as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel waves as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Howie Mandel waves as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel waves as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Howard Stern arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howard Stern arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Howard Stern talks with reporters as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howard Stern talks with reporters as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Mel B takes pictures with fans as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Mel B takes pictures with fans as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

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Heidi Klum waves as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Heidi Klum waves as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Heidi Klum arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Heidi Klum arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Heidi Klum poses for photographers as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Heidi Klum poses for photographers as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Heidi Klum arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Heidi Klum arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Crowds watch as Heidi Klum arrives in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Crowds watch as Heidi Klum arrives in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Fans yell at Heidi Klum as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Fans yell at Heidi Klum as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Heidi Klum talks with reporters as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Heidi Klum talks with reporters as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet via a motorcycle sidecar in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet via a motorcycle sidecar in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howie Mandel waves as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel waves as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howie Mandel arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Mel B poses for photographers as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Mel B poses for photographers as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Mel B arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Mel B arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Mel B takes pictures with fans as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Mel B takes pictures with fans as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Mel B poses for photographers arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Mel B poses for photographers arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Mel B. arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Mel B. arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Mel B. wore some very sping looking shoes as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Mel B. wore some very sping looking shoes as she arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Nick Cannon arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Nick Cannon talks with fans as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Nick Cannon talks with fans as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howard Stern poses for photographers as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howard Stern poses for photographers as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Fans cheers Howard Stern as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Fans cheers Howard Stern as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howard Stern arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howard Stern arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howard Stern arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howard Stern arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howard Stern arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howard Stern arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Howard Stern talks with reporters as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Howard Stern talks with reporters as he arrives on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Adrian Arangua of the San Antonio Stagehands union sweeps prior to the judges arrival on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Adrian Arangua of the San Antonio Stagehands union sweeps prior to the judges arrival on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Camera crews shoot fans prior to judges arriving on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Camera crews shoot fans prior to judges arriving on the red carpet in front of the Lila Cockrell Theater for a taping of the television show America's Got Talent Wednesday.

Photo: Robin Jerstad

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Kisses for 'Talent' judges, WOAI

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(In case you need reminding, that particular strip in the long-running children's publication shows how two different boys would respond to the same situation; Goofus' choice was anything but gentlemanly, while Gallant was kind and courteous.)

Kiss! To WOAI staffers for responding with grace under actual fire when the second floor of their downtown building became engulfed in flames last week. Anchors, reporters, producers and managers responded quickly and diligently, even managing to put together newscasts from outside their soot-filled offices later that same day.

Kiss! To Brian Collister, who leaves San Antonio for a new investigative reporting job on ABC-owned station KTRK Monday, for not only exposing countless government and consumer wrongs during his 13 years at WOAI, but doggedly seeing to it that changes were implemented.

Hiss! From viewer Russell Dale, who chides WOAI for not doing more to keep the valuable Collister from departing San Antonio for Houston. “Now WOAI, more importantly, San Antonio is left to the wolves without any sign of a replacement crusader,” Dale wrote in an email. “SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on the management.”

To be fair, it must be said that Collister couldn't be happier about this chance to do what he does best at the top-notch news station in the bigger market of Houston (where he also grew up). He may have left even if WOAI promised him the moon. Though he said he and his family hate to leave the warmth and friendliness of the Alamo City, he is thrilled to join one of the most prestigious investigative teams in the business, adding: “I look forward to adding to its legacy.”

Hiss! From a disgruntled viewer, who doesn't understand why the networks have been running so many repeats of top shows in the midst of the TV season. “It's not even close to summer; yet all we seem to be getting are reruns ... of 'Nashville,' 'Modern Family,' lots of other shows.”

Maybe they don't want to run their good stuff opposite NCAA championship basketball on CBS or are saving up fresh episodes for all-important May sweeps. Whatever the case, I have good news: It looks like both “Nashville” and “Modern Family” are airing new episodes tonight.

Kiss! To S.A. rock radio vet John Lisle for not only consistently dishing out saucy and timely chat on his new KZEP-FM morning show, but also sending me a classy thank-you for blogs I've written about his gig.

“I noticed you celebrated your 30th at the Express-News this year,” he added. “From one survivor to another, congratulations!”